Government’s deal with both Healy-Raes was ‘common knowledge’ – minister

It was “common knowledge” that the coalition made a deal with both Healy-Rae brothers in forming a Government, Minister Norma Foley has said.

Danny Healy-Rae and Michael Healy-Rae voted against the Government in a confidence motion on Tuesday, with the latter resigning as a junior minister in spectacular fashion.

They had been among several independent TDs who supported the formation of a coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael – but split with the Government over its handling of recent fuel protests.

Michael Healy-Rae was appointed as a junior minister as part of the Government-formation negotiations, with Danny Healy-Rae not receiving an official role.

Amid disquiet over the Government’s refusal to engage with protesters who had staged blockades of critical infrastructure last week, there had been speculation that Danny Healy-Rae would vote against the Government in a confidence motion – which the coalition had called in response to Sinn Fein’s intentions to bring a motion of no confidence.

This also raised questions about what such a decision would mean for his brother’s post in Government.

However, the issue never arose – with Michael Healy-Rae telling the Dail on Tuesday he was stepping down as minister of state with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture within the Department of Agriculture.

Micheal Martin had no prior warning before Mr Healy-Rae announced his resignation in the Dail, a spokesperson for the Taoiseach said.

During his speech to the Dail, Mr Healy-Rae criticised Mr Martin and said he “should have listened” to the concerns of people who protested about the impact of fuel costs on the agricultural and transport sectors.

The Government won the motion of confidence.

On Wednesday, Ms Foley said she was “surprised” by the resignation, stating the junior minister had endorsed the fuel-cost package agreed by Government.

She added: “In the formation of Government, there was an arrangement made with the Healy-Raes that would mean the two of them would support Government for the lifetime of Government – that did not materialise yesterday.”

Asked if Michael Healy-Rae had been told he would lose his role in Government if his brother voted against the coalition, Ms Foley said: “I think the world knows that when the arrangement was made with both Healy-Raes, it was a matter for two Healy-Raes to support Government – I think everybody knows that.”

Ms Foley said she was not privy to any conversations with the men prior to the vote but said it would have been “helpful” to know in advance.

The resignation raises questions about whether the empty position will be filled or have its responsibilities shifted to an existing minister.

Minister for Children Ms Foley said she imagines the “vacancy” will be filled.

Speaking to RTE radio on Wednesday, she said the Government would consider what to do with the vacant post in the coming days.

The Government may choose not to fill the post to reduce the overall number of junior ministers and instead assign the responsibilities to another minister.

Asked for her own view, Ms Foley said: “There’s a job of work to be done in the Department of Agriculture and there is a vacancy in the Department of Agriculture and I imagine that will be filled – but the decision will be made in the coming days.”